<p>This isn't the official thread, so don't freak out haha. For the students who applied this year, what does the application entail? What were the essay promps? I looked at the 2009 brochure, but all it said was that it was more rigorous than the college application process.</p>
<p>Are you currently a sophomore? The only thing you can really do right now is…live life. Find out the things you enjoy doing. Start a club. Read books. Start a riot. (Okay don’t do that). </p>
<p>There are five essays and a booklist, basically one’s a critical analysis of a book, there’s an essay about an issue you feel strongly about, one about a conflict you’ve faced and how you overcame it, and one on your future goals. Then there’s a seminar choice essay. Two pages each. It’s like creative prose bliss :). </p>
<p>It’s definitely rigorous, but not in the way most people think of “rigorous”. It’s not so much (read: at all) about test scores and ECs and GPA like most other things; they’re looking for kids who are intensely interested in something, whatever it is. Kids that really want to make a difference. </p>
<p>While I haven’t yet attended,(currently waiting to hear back from them, last week of April or early May. Eek!) I’ve already been interviewed any many other '09 TASPlicants here have been, and let me tell you, the interview is definitely not for the faint of heart.</p>
<p>For example, my friend got drilled for an hour and 20 minutes on her essay on Hinduism. Just one essay! </p>
<p>All in all, I’d say go for it, but do it because you’re looking for an intensely amazing experience, not just to pad your resume.</p>
<p>If you have some questions about the program itself, really it’d be best to ask an alumni. A few are lurking around here. Tyler09, lookbeyond, illuminar, and a few others. Really nice people.</p>
<p>I’m currently a sophomore. I’m going to pursue the humanities/social sciences in college, so I feel that TASP would be perfect for me. I know it’s incredibly competitive so I’ll have backups as well. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>And please do not start thinking about it now, live your life and have a great summer. Start working on the application when it comes out in December, until then don’t even think about it. Also, only apply if you are really passionate about going, none of that College App boosting stuff.</p>
<p>I’m in the same position as Obstinate. The next few weeks are going to be so painful…</p>
<p>I’d recommend that whole living life thing. I mean, I admit I read through the TASP '08 thread. but either way enjoy it. </p>
<p>As I said, it’s not “competitive” in the way most school counselors put it, but they challenge you to think in ways schools don’t teach, and they really can’t. I enjoyed writing my essays; they were a breath of fresh air from high school mundaneity. I don’t know what formula they use to choose people, so I can’t really say, but really, if colleges did the same thing!</p>
<p>Oh no, I confess to my TASP obsession sins too. It’s probably a better path though to be really passionate and excited about getting in, and then don’t do tons of additional research and obsess over it like many of us Tasplicants have. Really, we’re just asking to be denied.</p>
<p>That sounds so freaking sweet. I am definitely going to apply as a junior.</p>